Responding to the footage, Acting District Commander Paul Basham said in a statement that police were aware of the incident and the footage.

"However, as is often the case with brief video clips of this nature, it does not necessarily provide a full picture of what occurred prior to the event being filmed, which may include a subject's violent and or aggressive behaviour towards police staff or other members of the public.

"I can reassure the community that the incident will be reviewed, and the relevant facts made available in due course," Basham said.

Of course, now that he's publicly declared what the facts are, the "review" is hardly going to contradict him. Nothing to see here, move along.

This casual use of violence by police has to stop. As for how to do it, mandatory bodycams with immediate suspension for "faults" are a good way to start, coupled with a much harsher policy towards police suspected of abusing the public. I want the police to feel that we are watching over their shoulder every time they interact with us, and that they will be fired without a pension if they abuse the powers we give them. And if this causes some police to quit the force, good - because the sort of people who believe police can only operate if given virtual impunity to beat, abuse and even rape the public are not fit and proper enforcers of our laws, and should have no place in our police force.